Is it dangerous to use an old propane canister?

Question

I have a full canister and a half of one that I found in a closet with my old hiking gear. They are about 10 years old. (These are the small canisters used for camping and cooking). Are they still safe to use?

Answer 1

providing the containers are not rusty and the outlet valves are still capped I would say they should be OK. The most important thing about any propane container is that the pressure relief valve be functional. Some of those small containers have a very small opening about 1/4 inch on the collar of the cylinder. Do not stick anything in there, but take a look and make sure there are no signs of corrosion. If they are as clean as a new one, then you should be fine using them. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT...DISPOSE OF THE CYLINDER AT A REFILL CENTER! I cannot stress that point enough. Your life is worth more than a $10 bottle of propane.